Governor appoints several to Libraries Council

Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010

JUNEAU - Gov. Sean Parnell has appointed Nancy L. Bertels, Mary Jo Joiner and Arthur L. Walters, and reappointed Barbara M. Kreher and Kathryn J. Martin-Albright, to the Advisory Council on Libraries. The 12-member council advises the Alaska State Library Administration on the federal Library Services and Technology Act plan for the state, and on the development and evaluation of library services throughout Alaska.

Bertels, of Sutton, has been director of the Sutton Public Library since 1983. Bertels was nominated by the Alaska Library Association, and appointed to a public librarian seat.

Joiner, of Kenai, has been director of the Kenai Community Library since 2006. Joiner was nominated by the Alaska Library Association and appointed to a seat reserved for the organization's immediate past president.

Kreher, of Douglas, has been a librarian in Juneau public elementary and high schools since 1996. She was nominated by the Alaska Library Association, and appointed to a seat representing school librarians.

Martin-Albright, of Wasilla, has been director of the Wasilla Public Library since 2005, and previously was the library's adult and electronic services librarian. Martin-Albright was reappointed to public librarian seat.

Walters, of Seward, is a licensed foster care parent and advocate for the disabled. He is blind and hard of hearing, and was appointed to a seat representing public library users who experience disabilities.